Michael Madsen was secretly battling a painful condition before his death, it has been revealed.
The Kill Bill star was found “unresponsive” at his Malibu home on July 3 and later pronounced dead.
His manager revealed the 67-year-old had died from a cardiac arrest - which his death certificate has now confirmed.
The cardiac arrest was brought on by cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and chronic alcoholism, according to the L.A. County Medical Examiner.
The Reservoir Dogs star was also battling thromboembolic disease - a condition where blood clots cause obstruction of vessels or arteries.
Madsen's body has since been cremated, TMZ reported.
Coronary artery disease is a condition that causes the arteries that supply blood to the heart to become narrowed or blocked.
It can cause mild discomfort to severe pressure in the chest, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body.
Madsen was best known for collaborations with Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino in films including The Hateful Eight, Kill Bill: Vol 1 and 2 and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.
He famously starred as Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, where he danced to Stealers Wheel’s 1972 hit Stuck In The Middle With You whilst wielding a razor during a torture scene.
In a joint statement, his managers Susan Ferris and Mr Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said: “In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions and Cookbook For Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life.
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts And Poems currently being edited.
“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
His sister, Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, also shared an emotional statement.
“He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw,” she wrote. For those who knew him, the on-screen tough guy was just one part of a much messier, more human picture.
